FREE to be Me ...

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Nativity

As I pulled out our Nativity set, and unwrapped each piece, I tried not to be caught up in the clutter of Christmas decorations and craziness that was all around me. I tried to focus on the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus Christ. Just a few of the thoughts that I had:

First I pictured the scene where the Innkeeper simply had no room for them. Symbolically, I often think I have no time or "room" to fit in one more church activity or one more Visiting Teaching meeting - and what I realized is that  no matter how much we think we don't have, I know that we always have something that we can share.The Innkeeper perhaps could have made more room if he would have known, but he did give them somewhere to go. And no matter how humble Christ's circumstances were as he grew up a carpenters son, He was always found giving.


Knowing that the Wise Men brought gifts to baby that were fit for a king, made me think about giving my best to Him. For example: Not barely remembering to say my prayers while I drift off to sleep at night - but giving him the best part of my day and best part of my attention (before I do everything else) while I communicate with Him and learn from Him. They knew Jesus was the Savior, and acted (prioritized) accordingly.

I think of the situation Joseph found himself in, and the struggles he must have faced! Not only in providing for Mary, but the turmoil within himself about the whole ordeal. In spite of the cultural norm to end the betrothal to the pregnant Mary, He was told by an angel of the Lord that he should take her to wife!? It was not a request that he do so, but strict instructions. Whatever his personal inclinations may have been ---“Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him...(Matthew 1:24)


Mary. For some reason I tried to picture her existing in today's world. A young pregnant teenager, and I am sure at some point was somewhat confused about what had happened to her and what would happen to her. I am certain that her Faith had been cultivated for this very specific purpose and that she was chosen for many reason. I know that people are often called to do hard things, but that the way is provided for us to be prepare for them - We too can be used by God to change the world!Or at least the part that God has in mind for us to change.

And well, I don't pretend to know what the donkey was thinking :)

By sending Jesus Christ to Earth, our Heavenly Father gave us the way to find happiness. All the gifts and wishes that are on our temporal " Christmas Lists",  cannot compare to gifts that Jesus Christ has already given us through His example, through His love for us, and  through the Atonement. I know that He lived for us - that he died for us - and that His Resurrection was necessary for our own Redemption.

I am so grateful for these gifts! That Jesus was born to show us the right way to live. And for the HOPE, as bright as the star of Bethlehem, that can be found within the gospel.
posted by Jake and RaNette Free at 5:07 PM

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